The Scales of Tohrn

As Gabbon expanded throughout Tohrn, their militant influence left an indelible mark on each settlement in the form of fighting pits. Originally designed to keep the fighting forces in top form, it also became a means for training the locals to serve as a militia. As the colonies grew and established independence from Gabbonish rule; a network of competitive fighting grew and took hold, bringing revenue and pride to the new city-states. Taking its name from the common-law of trail by combat, the Scales of Tohrn began to organize. While the executive seat of the Scales are still in Gabbon City, the location is considered neutral territory and does not fall under Gabbon laws. While training and sending slaves to fight is not expressly forbidden, it has been more than 400 years since slave fighting was commonplace. 
Each location where the Scales operate is different. In Gabbon City, there is a massive coliseum that seats thousands and has been host to amazing battles of upwards of 100 men and beasts at the same time. Historically they have even flooded the coliseum to allow for more varieties of competition, including small naval battles or combat against sea creatures. Towle has a much more rudimentary pit which fighter enter and exit by climbing a rope ladder 20 feet. This large pit is one of the more dangerous sites because the spectator often turn on the fighters and can throw rocks, rotten food, or even additional weapons into the pit as the fighters are locked in combat.The Scales at Ironhold is made up of for rectangular pits  10 feet deep and 20x40 in size. They are only active on major holidays because the industrial nature of the city is impacted so greatly when the square is closed for use. The rest of the time the are covered with iron beams and heavy slats to allow commerce to move freely through the warrens.
When fighters, mercenaries, or adventurers seek to participate, there is a trial fight scheduled that is non-lethal and not public. If they are able to last 10 rounds, they have earned their entry eligibility. Each fight costs 10gp to enter per person, or 15gp per person if there is a party of 3 or more. The encounters are random, but can be matched based on difficulty, with the payout increasing with difficulty. Fighters may choose to fight for coin or magical items, although the quality and type of items are not guaranteed or identified in advance. Businesses and gamblers are common patrons of of the fights and individual fighters, with gambling being a major source of revenue. The Scales collect a 20% stipend for their services, and pass 5% of that on the the local government in taxes.
Every 5 years there is a final tournament to determine the world champion of their fight class. This tournament is invitation only, and many fighters train and fight for years in hopes of receiving that golden ticket (which is actually made of gold). This tournament is a week long celebration that is hosted by the small rural town of Lolthe. For the weeks leading up to the tournament, Lolthe's population quadruples in size, with housing built just for the event. Participants, merchants, and spectators travel cross continent just to experience the wonder of what is simply known as "the tournament."